Magnificent kite-flying displays, a catwalk of vibrant, cultural fabrics, and an inspiring flag parade led by Redbridge’s disabled communities, are just three of the projects that residents have been developing, ready to launch in Redbridge this summer.
30 residents, known as Community Producers, have been working with expert artists to develop a world-class programme, including: award-winning dance company, Rambert; producer of large-scale processions and spectacles, Emergency Exit Arts; and internationally acclaimed flag-artists, Kinetika.
The projects have been developed as part of Colours of Redbridge, a new programme of free arts and culture that puts residents at the forefront of the design process and aims to bring new, high-quality creative activities to our doorsteps.
Other projects include a food festival which explores the link between our food and cultural identity, a lantern parade to brighten up the streets of Barkingside, and a dance programme of global styles to support our physical strength and mental wellbeing.
The full programme begins on Thursday 27 June when a highly decorated south Asian truck will be parking up at Fairlop Waters and unpacking a series of workshops led by Bradford artist Zareena Bano. This is closely followed by the launch of a languages café at Mildmay House in Ilford on Friday 28 June which will unite residents through the most widely spoken languages in the borough.
All events are free to attend and there are activities suitable for all ages, interests and accessibility requirements. Booking is recommended for most workshops and activities, which can be done online or over the phone, although there will also be spaces for people to turn up on the day.
Community Producer, Shagufta Hussain said:
“It’s been an absolute privilege to have been a part of this project with Colours of Redbridge, and I’ve learnt so many new skills and met some amazing people along the way. Having lived in the borough for the last 17 years, I’ve never seen anything done this way before, where residents are involved in the process of organising and delivering community events. I’m really looking forward to seeing our local community come together, to enjoy these events as much as we have enjoyed creating them.”
Local Artist, Sadia Ur-Rehman said:
“I’ve been working with the Community Producers to help create some truly exciting and unique projects ready for the summer. I am really impressed by the passion and talent of people in Redbridge, and we can’t wait for everyone to come along and get involved in what we’ve created. The more people that come along, the more free activities we’ll be able to put on in the future”.
Programme Director of Colours of Redbridge, Pete Nichols, said:
“We’re so excited to finally launch our summer projects, working with some amazing residents and some of the best artists in the country. This is just the beginning, as next year the most successful projects will be made bigger and better, becoming a regular fixture in our streets and neighbourhoods. I’d urge you all to try something new with us this summer, especially if you’ve not done something like this before – you might learn a new skill, meet new friends, find out something about yourself or it could even lead to a new job or hobby.”
For the full programme listings, visit the Colours of Redbridge website or call us on 020 8708 2858 and choose option 4, or keep an eye out for listings in your local library.
For anyone interested in getting more involved in the Colours of Redbridge programme, please email hello@colours.red.
